Sports

Bailey sees Seattle's Harvin as big threat

Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey knows the defense will have its hands full with the Seahawks' Percy Harvin. (John Leyba / The Denver Post)

ENGLEWOOD — — Veteran cornerback Champ Bailey, playing in his first Super Bowl after 15 seasons in the NFL, says the Broncos must be wary of explosive Seattle wide receiver Percy Harvin.

"That's a dangerous man right there," Bailey said Friday. "He can change the game if you allow him to. I remember playing him when he was in Minnesota, and he's one of the most explosive guys coming off the ball.

"I don't know how they are going to use him. We don't have a lot of tape on him, if any, but they are going to use him. You don't have a weapon like that and not use it."

For the third time this season, Harvin is returning after missing time because of injuries. Harvin cleared concussion protocol on Wednesday and has been given the OK to play in the Super Bowl. He has played in only two games this season because of a hip injury and a concussion.

Secondary concerns

Wide receiver Eric Decker said the Broncos must be prepared for physical, in-your-face football from loquacious cornerback Richard Sherman and the rest of the Seattle defensive backs.

"I think all around, they have the best defense in the NFL and they get after opponents," Decker said. "I think you have to play from the first snap. You have to be physical, because these guys are going to get you at the line, they are going to get you at the top of routes and they will come down to hit you. So you have to make sure you bring it to them as well."

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Injury report.

Starting running back Knowshon Moreno, nursing a rib injury, was a limited participant in practice, as was defensive tackle Mitch Unrein. Both players are listed as questionable for the Super Bowl.

"I feel good," Moreno said. "It is what it is. You have to just stay on top of it. For a lot of people, not a lot of injuries would keep you out of a game like this. I feel good though."

Defensive tackle Sione Fua did not practice because a calf injury and he's been downgraded to doubtful. Kicker Matt Prater, who missed Thursday's practice because of a virus, was a no-show again Friday. Coach John Fox said he was keeping Prater away from teammates to make sure Prater doesn't spread his illness, but added "he'll be fine."

Notable

The weather for the Super Bowl is looking better. According to weather.com, the Feb. 2 forecast for East Rutherford, N.J., calls for a high temperature of 35 degrees, a low of 25, and just a 30 percent chance of snow. Winds are expected to be at 8 miles per hour. ... Bailey on Sherman, who's earned a reputation as a big talker: "We're all different personalities. I don't have a problem with his personality. For one, if you don't want somebody to talk, you have to give them a reason not to, that's it."

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